FTA Proposes Rule to Improve Safety of Transit Buses

The Federal Transit Administration announced a proposed rule that would improve the process for testing the safety and reliability of new transit buses funded with federal dollars. The proposed rule would establish minimum performance standards, a new pass-fail grading system for bus testing, and weighted scoring process that would better assist local transit agencies in purchasing an appropriate vehicle, according to the agency.

The rule also would clarify and improve verification of two departmental regulations: the "Buy America" requirements and the rules that support businesses owned by women and minorities throughout the supply chain.

"Millions of riders depend on transit buses every day to get to work, school, health care, and home again," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "While buses are already a very safe mode of travel, transit customers deserve to know that the buses they ride on are as safe and reliable as possible."